Discover five smart ways to avoid the January slump and keep your salon thriving. From rebooking tips to social media strategies, learn how nail techs can maintain steady income beyond the festive season.
The run-up to sparkle season is non-stop: full columns, glitter everywhere, BIAB™ infills back-to-back, and clients asking for “just one more appointment.” Then January hits… and suddenly the salon feels a little too peaceful.
But the quieter months don’t have to mean less income. With the right planning (and a few clever strategies), you can transition from your December rush into steady January bookings and keep that cash flow feeling healthy.
Here are the best nail salon marketing tips that nail techs can use to glide from festivities into the new year… without the income dip.
Your clients are already in the salon, already loving their nails, and already in a “treat myself” mood, this is the best moment to secure their January appointment.
Make it easy for them:
- Ask: “Shall we get your January appointment booked now so you don’t lose your slot?”
- Take their deposit at the same time as their December payment. (Simply add the deposit to their order) It keeps things simple for you and them.
Most clients say yes when you ask, they just need the nudge.
Clients rarely think past December and the festive season, so show them why January matters too.
Sell it as a ‘New Year Nail Refresh:
- Remove the festive design
- Fresh BIAB™ tidy
- Shape and structure refresh
- Opt for a shade that feels clean, new and “2026 energy”
Try phrasing it like:
“Let’s get you booked in for a January refresh — new year, new nails. It keeps you on track on your BIAB™ journey, ensuring your nails stay healthy and strong.”
You can also create a “Hydration Add-On” for January:
- Mask
- Warm mitts
- Relaxing hand massage
- TGB Luxury Mani steps
Clients LOVE anything that sounds restorative after the festive madness
Most clients aren’t thinking past December…until you show them they need to.
Use your socials to remind them:
- Share your favourite holiday nail designs
- Mix in clean nudes + New Year inspo
Say things like:
- “January diary is OPEN!”
- “Let’s start your 2026 BIAB™ journey right.”
Visual reminders = bookings.
A client who sees your name in their inbox is far more likely to book.
Email 1: Christmas Day
Short, warm, kind
“Wishing you the happiest holidays, thank you for supporting my small business.”
No selling. Just love.
This builds loyalty.
Email 2: 28th December
This one can include a nudge:
- January diary open
- Limited slots
- Deposit required on booking
- Let’s refresh your festive set
People plan their life between the festive break and New Year, so it’s perfect timing.
January isn’t just about clients; it’s about resetting yourself too.
Use the quieter weeks to:
- Organise stock, colours, tools & brushes
- Update your price list and add anything new
- Refresh your social media using the TGB Social Strategy Course
- Set your 2026 goals — business AND personal
- Book your own treatments and relax
You’ve survived December, now use January to reset and elevate ready to take on 2026 with renewed energy.
The chaos of December doesn’t have to mean a drop in bookings in January. With simple rebooking habits, deposit reminders, fresh January services and a strong presence on socials, you can turn your festive clients into long-term 2026 regulars.
New Year = New Nails = New Bookings
Ready to boost your January bookings? Explore our
Education Hub for essential nail tech resources (including free courses) designed to help you elevate your business and take the stress out of admin.
